Where Are the Fat-Positive Children's Books? The Librarian Is In Podcast, Ep. 68
by Gwen Glazer, Librarian, Readers ServicesDecember 5, 2017

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Spoiler alert: They barely exist! Frank and Gwen talk to librarian and advocate Angie Manfredi about the missing fat kids (and adults) in literature, the importance of body diversity in books, and the danger of creating a monolith of marginalized voices.

Guest Star: Angie Manfredi, head of youth services at Los Alamos Public Library

Angie notes that posting photos of herself, especially full-body and bikini photos, is a form of resistance in a culture that tells fat people they are less than.

"I forgot to mention one of my favorite fat books - Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero. In this book, Gabi, a fat girl, is allowed to be human, imperfect and messy and mixed up and trying to figure her life out. While she is often sad and confused and lonely, Quintero shows how this is just part of being a teen, not a fate Gabi is destined to because of her fatness.This is one of the most important fat positive books because Gabi isn't perfect but she's real. Also, I mentioned the work of one of my close friends as inspiration, but I foolishly didn't tell you his name! His name is Angelo Muredda and I urge you to find his writing online."

Want Personalized Recommendations?

Tune in to the NYPL Recommends Facebook TV show, every Friday at noon EST and ask Gwen and Lynn in Readers Services for live reading recommendations. Just leave a comment telling what you're looking for and that you're a fan of the podcast! And don't forget to subscribe to the show so you don't miss future episodes!

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